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When writing a novel, how do you find a way to make it truly original? Are there any writing excersises that you know of that can get your brain into motion? Thanks,

Kiara

2006-10-18 07:11:13 · 5 answers · asked by Kiara 5 in Arts & Humanities Books & Authors

I am definitely an avid reader and listen and observe almost everything around me, sub-counciously, and I really didn't realize i observed so much until about a month ago. I'll read anything and everything from Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen to The Firm by John Grisham to Message in A Bottle by Nicholas Sparks to The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman.

Any book suggestions (a diverse variety of them) that might help me to take a look at several different types of writing?

2006-10-18 08:22:27 · update #1

5 answers

Orginally does come with time, but keeping a journal can help. Write down anything interesting, exciting, or even mundane. Write down how the trees moved in the wind, or a conversation you overheard in line at the bank/grocery store. Keeping a journal helps keep you connected with yourself, and it is great to look back on to try to find story ideas. Absolutely write about what you know, but also try writing about what you don't know.

Make a world in your head, then put it on paper.

2006-10-18 07:37:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3 0

You write what you know and you won't go wrong. Don't let momentary stalls get to you...write your way through the blocks. I find that when I'm feeling the story, the muse likes to take over. When that happens, I'll lean back a few hours later wondering where all those words and paragraphs came from, wondering then with awe as to how smart that Muse is to know where the story is supposed to go. So...Honor Your Muse! :)

Also, originality is the result of the "what If?" we ask ourselves from time to time. We all do, you know, but writers tend to file these away for the rainy day when a good idea is needed. Then, perhaps one "What If" has met another in the interim and the seed for a great story suddenly flowers right in front of your mind's eye. Ahhh, it's a sweeet thing, this writing gig.

But I concur with all who admonish you to read. YES! Read! Read often, an read everything. Words in a row from whatever the source. Read....

And Listen to people. Great dialogue in novels comes from the writer's ability to listen, to hear not only what people say, but how they say it...A 1940's era Film Noir has a certain lingo, right? Modern Thrillers have a certain vernacular, too. So learn to listen...you'll pick up some valuable stuff that will certainly slide nicely into something, someday.

One more thing...go to your favorite bookstore -and if you don't have one of those, you ain't never gonna be no kinda writer!- and pick up Strunk & White's Elements Of Style, Elements Of Grammar, and Elements Of Editing, usually sold together in three small paperbacks. Yes, they are small, thin books, but the wisdom within is, well, you'll see for yourself, for no self-respecting wordsmith is ever without these handy little books within arms reach.
Have Fun
And
Good Luck!

2006-10-18 14:52:44 · answer #2 · answered by The Mystic One 4 · 0 0

The best way to learn how to be a good novelist is to read good novels.

Read, read, read!!!!

Also, you need to let go and just write. Tell yourself that you are going to write the worst story ever written. Then you are free to write anything you want, no pressure.

Other than that, set a goal to write a certain number of pages every day. They don't need to be good, they just have be put down on paper.

Write, write, write!!!

Later you can edit your work.

Originality will come with time, but it requires dedication and discipline.

It will happen for you if you just keep writing.

Good Luck!!

2006-10-18 14:23:03 · answer #3 · answered by fatima 2 · 1 0

Absolutely! You can try people watching for one thing. Notice the unique characteristics that occur naturally in conversation so your dialogue comes across real while simultaneously defining your characters. I actually run a site for writers, and we do weekly writer's exercises. Some of those exercises can turn into full projects, while others are just enough to jump start your inner-writer and send you on your way. If you're over 18, I welcome you to check the site out. We workshop and critique each other's poetry, fiction, nonfiction, fanfiction, artwork, photography and more. We also have sections for writerly games and exercises, as well as some more personal areas for fun and cameraderie.

http://www.circleofcrones.com

2006-10-18 15:14:16 · answer #4 · answered by jennybeanses 3 · 1 0

Write about things you know about personally...whether it is about your life or someone close to you. For example don't write about abject poverty if you haven't felt it or interviewed people that have experienced it. As you are an original, your life and therefore your perspectives on life are original as well. Never try and write about something that you haven't researched or experienced first hand....otherwise, it always reads, hollow!

2006-10-18 14:18:18 · answer #5 · answered by Catherine A 1 · 2 0

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